‘We’re better than Preston’ – Major talking points from Sheffield United’s press conference before North End clash

Manager Chris Wilder and Dean Henderson met the media this morning to discuss Sheffield United’s clash with Preston North End tomorrow.

Here’s a run-down of the major issues discussed ahead of the game.

Dean Henderson

CHRIS WILDER

How squad looking – fine, looking forward to another home game. Games come quick and we go into it in decent nick.

Wednesday night – Bit frustrated, two different styles, takes two sometimes to make an entertaining game and we did our best to try and win it.

Key differences between Villa and Birmingham game – Scored seven in two and then amazing can’t find a key goal all of a sudden. Missed a few chances and made a few mistakes, but mistakes come because we’re trying to win the game.

Five changes – more tomorrow? Definitely. I blame myself a little bit, and we’re always analysing and looking. Should I have made the changes against Preston? That’s something I’ll look at, but if we never try then we’ll never know.

Want to keep to a consistent XI – 100 per cent. Might have to tweak it now and again for certain teams, can’t be arrogant to think we’ll blast everyone away, and we have flexibility in our group to change shape. Ideally, we’d keep the same side.

Leon not scoring – a concern? It’s a concern when centre forwards don’t score because that’s what they’re paid to do, but I believe there’s one around the corner for Leon.

Preston – Not one of the big hitters in the division but have done great over the last few seasons, one result gets them up and running and they’ll be looking at this game to do that. They have a lot of experienced Championship players

100th league game – First one wasn’t a classic and 100th wasn’t! Hopefully more to come, proud to have managed and only when I step away, which hopefully isn’t soon, will I look back with a bit of pride at that.

DEAN HENDERSON

Birmingham – They did a job on us, want to dominate teams at home but it just wasn't our night. Some teams will come and sit in and get a point, we need to work that and I’m sure our manager will do it

Clean sheet - I’ll take it but would have swapped it for dropping two goals in and winning the game!

Bristol City – We battered them. I’m surprised they managed to get a point never mind all three. I didn't feel under threat at all until their lucky goal

England U21s – A good confidence boost for myself, some find it hard some enjoy it but it’s my dream to play for my country. I’ve got one more team to go so going to keep going in that direction

Start to the season – It’s been good, plenty of points to play for so no point worrying at this stage, we'll have a great go this season

Preston - We should play with no fear. Are we better than them? Yeah. The fans have got to get behind us and sing loud. If they do that, then most of time we should win at home.

Life at United – Loving it. Enjoying myself, it’s been an outstanding start and all the lads, and the manager, are excellent. Everyone makes me feel welcome and playing at home is fantastic – I’m loving it at the minute.

Trending

This is how a pubs boss plans to make this Sheffield suburb a ‘cracking night out’

Sheffield MP Jared O’Mara ‘sacks all of his staff and locks them out of his office’